# init(options:) Creates a new kernel context. ``` init(options: ContextOptions? = nil) throws ``` ## Parameters `options` Configuration options. Pass `nil` (the default) for a mainnet context with no callbacks — suitable for quick experiments but not for any real use where you need to know about new tips, validation failures, or log output. ## Discussion> Throws: ``doc://BitcoinKernel/documentation/BitcoinKernel/KernelError/contextCreationFailed`` if the C API returns > null. The kernel does not expose a reason; re-run under kernel > logging (see ``doc://BitcoinKernel/documentation/BitcoinKernel/LoggingConnection``) to see what went wrong.